Shahid Afridi has signed a short-term contract with South African side The Dolphins.

The Pakistan all-rounder was one of the star players for his country when they won the ICC World Twenty20 title in June.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the most exciting all-rounders in the world of cricket," Dolphins manager of playing affairs Jay Naidoo told www.supersport.co.za.

"Afridi is a flamboyant player who has developed enormously over the last two years in the Twenty20 format of the game.

"We hope he can bring his explosive batting and controlled bowling to our attack and get us in a position to win the Pro20."

Afridi will miss the first match of the Standard Bank Pro20 competition against the Titans at Kingsmead on February 3.

However, he could feature for the Durban-based franchise when they face the Warriors four days later.